Around the state: Superintendent Van Ayres in Hillsborough County is facing scrutiny from members of his own board, the Miami-Dade School District has launched a new mental health and wellness program, the Florida Board of Governor's voted against the confirmation of Santa Ono as University of Florida president and a salary has been proposed for Florida A&M University's new president, Marva Johnson. Here are details about those stories and other developments from the state’s districts, private schools, and colleges and universities:
Miami-Dade: The Miami-Dade School District has launched a new mental health and wellness program. The free program, in partnership with the district, is spearheaded by the Kevin Love Fund, founded by Miami Heat player Kevin Love. Mental health professionals designed the program to provide students with a deeper understanding of mental health, reduce stigma and build a culture of support in schools. WUSF.
Hillsborough: School Superintendent Van Ayres is facing scrutiny from all directions, including members of his own board. Last month, Education Commissioner Manny Diaz sent a letter calling for the removal of two books from Hillsborough shelves over content concerns. The following week, Attorney General James Uthmeier followed up with a second letter asking about more “pornographic materials in your school libraries.” Ayres wrote in a response that all titles mentioned had been removed. He also said that to “err on the side of caution,” all 600 titles that had been placed on a list for removal by any county in the state during the past two school years had been taken out of circulation and would be reviewed, even though no objections to them have risen through the existing process in Hillsborough. During a heated school board meeting this week, 10 residents questioned why the books were still allowed in the district. Tampa Bay Times.
Brevard: The founder of three charter schools in South Brevard County — who also is the newest appointee to the Brevard County Tourist Development Council — is moving forward with plans to build a large swimming complex adjacent to one of his schools. John Moran — who is the founder of three Pineapple Cove Classical Academy Charter Schools and three preschools — said, in addition to being a venue for local school swimming meets, he has hopes that the complex will help attract out-of-area schools to the Space Coast for competitions Florida Today.
Bay: A Bay District Schools bus driver was arrested for allegedly hitting a child. WMBB. WJHG.
Education department cuts: The Trump administration has released new details of its vision to wind down the U.S. Department of Education. The budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 calls for a 15% funding cut to the department and a handful of changes to key K-12 and higher education programs. Central Florida Public Media.
Chronic absenteeism: The percentage of students with good attendance fell sharply between 2019 and 2023, while the share of chronically absent students more than doubled, offering further evidence of the pandemic’s shattering effect on the nation’s classrooms. The 74th.
Colleges and universities: Santa Ono, who faced a final vote on Tuesday by the Florida Board of Governors before he could become University of Florida's next president, was not confirmed by the board. Ono faced opposition from some who say he had a record of supporting DEI initiatives. The 17-member board serves as the governing body for the state's 12 public universities. Ono's confirmation was the only action item listed on the agenda. The decision comes a week after UF's Board of Trustees unanimously approved Ono for president on May 27. Gainesville Sun. Fox 13. Miami Herald. Florida A&M University is proposing a $650,000 salary for its new president, Marva Johnson. According to a proposed contract posted on the school's website, Johnson's salary would be $150,000 more than her predecessor was making, and comes with a 3% annual raise, car and housing allowance and a faculty position at the FAMU College of Law after the end of her presidency. Johnson was named FAMU President by the school's trustees. The move was immediately derided by supporters, watchers and alumni. Johnson is a lobbyist for Charter Communications. WUWF. Tallahassee Democrat. WFSU. The state's controversial post-tenure policy has led tenure-track faculty at public institutions to leave the state, according to a new study by University of Southern California researchers. In addition, the policy resulted in no improvement in professors' productivity, researchers found. Insider Higher Ed.
Opinions on schools: June 1 marked the 100th anniversary of the United States Supreme Court’s ruling in Pierce v. Society of Sisters– effectively the first victory of America’s school choice movement. Matthew Ladner, NextSteps.
